ENGLISH TO AFRICA -Television Package Producer.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

Non-Personal Services Television Package Producer Voice of America English Division

1.0 INTRODUCTION

(a) The Voice of America’s (VOA) English to Africa Service has a requirement for a talent vendor (hereinafter referred to as “Contractor”) to provide services as described below. The work shall be performed on a “per Assignment” basis. In addition, the Government will reimburse the Contractor for actual expenses as stated below. The Contractor’s assignment rate shall include overhead and profit. All work shall be performed in accordance with The VOA Journalistic Code and the VOA Charter as well as VOA Learning English writing, production and broadcast standards. The contractor must request pre-approval before engaging in outside speaking and writing that might give rise to an actual or perceived violation of the Code.

(b) For purposes of this Statement of Work, an Assignment is to deliver a completed 30-minute radio airshow to the specifications of the English to Africa Service. The Contractor shall be required to complete the assignment by the deadline set by VOA.

2.0 STATEMENT OF WORK

Contractor produces, writes, narrates and edits video stories for English to Africa television programs. Contractor is expected to work in the Cohen Building Monday through Friday, unless he/she is on assignment for the service at locations outside the building. Contractor will normally have five assignments per week. The schedule may vary, and include weekends and holidays, as necessary.

TV Package Producer, VOA’s English to Africa Service

SPECIFIC DUTIES INCLUDE:

1. Keeping up-to-date and knowledgeable about issues, events, and developments affecting Africa and the region.

2. Attending and participating in daily news meetings to discuss Africa television programming, and pro-actively contributing story ideas.

3. Serving as one-person production team, producing original news and feature material for broadcast treatment on a variety of subjects, making use of appropriate sources and materials.

4. Contractor shall have a thorough knowledge of television writing style and journalistic ethics. Writing must be accurate and compelling.

5. Shooting cut-able sequences of broadcast-quality digital video and audio for an end product that is of a competitive quality for the international broadcast market.

6. Working with Executive Producer to plan and produce appropriate television packages to be used in television programs.

7. These packages must always be accurate, balanced and comprehensive in nature, and it is the package producer’s responsibility to ensure that they are.

8. Producing packages based on field news events and interviews, both of which require working in a professional manner with field technicians as well as working with digital cameras and photographing their own story.

9. Working with computer lap-top editing system to edit his/her own stories and provide another edit system for use in-house and on remote locations.

10. Adjusting edit points, laying down narration and outputting a final product that meets broadcast deadlines and standards in terms of audio levels and visual editing.

11. Logging and capturing original footage and editing stories using cuts, dissolves and effects where appropriate. The contractor will edit his or her own stories on Final Cut Pro when necessary.

12. As needed, submitting mini-cam requests, studio facilities orders, booking edit suites, editing others’ packages and footage, transmitting material to VOA affiliates, writing scripts, screening and using appropriate footage to include in packages and programs.

13. When called upon contractor will also appear on camera.

14. Contractor will be appropriately attired when on camera. The Executive Producer will determine if the contractor is appropriately dressed.

15. Contractor will contribute as appropriate to social media related to the shows (Facebook, Blog, etc.).

16. The contractor shall have access to the Agency’s computer system and video equipment to perform the specific tasks assigned to him.

17. Contractor will complete assignments and meet deadlines. All reports must be of high quality.

18. Contractor will work successfully as part of a team.

19. Contractors will adhere to the standards and principles in the Voice of America Journalistic Code and request pre-approval before engaging in outside speaking and writing that might give rise to an actual or perceived violation of the Code

20. Contractor may work additional assignments.

21. Contractor may travel to carry out duties. The terms and conditions of the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) shall apply to all travel. The Contractor shall obtain prior written approval from Contracting Officer before incurring any reimbursable expenses.

22. Contractor reports to the Executive Producer on duty, under the overall guidance of the Chief of English to Africa Service, in VOA’s English Division.

The Contractor and Agency agree that no employer-employee relationship exist between the Agency and Contractor.

The Contractor shall conduct himself/herself in accordance with the Standards of Conduct rules of the agency.

3.0 GOV’T FURNISHED PROPERTY, FACILITIES, SERVICES OR INFORMATION

The Government will furnish office space, expendable supplies, and equipment (e.g., PC with LAN connection, camera, laptop, fax, and telephone) if necessary solely for the Contractor’s use while performing the work prescribed herein.

4.0 SUBMISSION OF DELIVERABLES

Deliverables are submitted within a specified timeframe. This specified time will be arranged by the Contracting Officer Representative.

5.0 REGISTRATION & SECURITY

The Contractor shall possess a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number and maintain current registration with SAM (System for Award Management) in order to perform government work. The Contractor shall also submit required security documents and pass security clearance.

- End of Statement of Work –

EVALUATION FACTORS/QUALIFICATIONS

TV Package Producer

1. At least 5 years demonstrated television news production experience at national or international broadcast organization

1. Demonstrated ability to conceive, write, shoot, edit and produce compelling television stories for African audiences

1. Demonstrated ability to use digital broadcast systems to accomplish tasks

1. Must possess broad knowledge of Africa and topics of interest to African audiences

1. Experience covering live events, news conferences, and reporting “from the scene”

1. Applicant must submit exemplary samples of social media engagement and/or broadcast journalism including written copy and a broadcast news aircheck (no more than 3 samples)